The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

Over the holidays I got to hear Burt & Hal's "Christmas Day" song sung by Johnny Mathis. I was familiar with the performance on the "Promises, Promises" soundtrack, but this was my first hearing of Mathis' version, which is just superb. It's about 3:24 long and has a very lush orchestration. I think it's still "in print" on a Johnny Mathis Christmas album on CD. I just checked and Apple's Music Store also has it for 99 cents. The other music download services may also carry it.

I loved that song from the first time I heard it -- and that was when I went to see the Broadway play "Promises, Promises" for which it was written. Jerry Orbach was the star of that show and won a Tony Award for his performance. Sadly, he died today from prostate cancer.

I always felt that Burt & Hal's "Christmas Day" would become a Christmas "standard". For some reason, it hasn't, but it's a great Christmas song and I'm sure Johnny Mathis did it justice.

Some thoughts on ""Christmas Day"...first of all, I love this song.
It's because I'm a fan of Burt and Hal's. Those who are not, or don't listen
for that style of writing(the unusual time changes, etc-the time changes are in the melody incorporated into 3/4) would have to
acclaimate to this song more...it's not quite as universal or easily whistled
or hummed as White Christmas, etc.The lyrics are not quite as simplistic
as well(more of a thoughtful message)
Perhaps this is the reason it has not become a standard...but i like it very much!